Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has reportedly been left furious with the Red Devils' slow takeover process hindering their chances of signing West Ham United captain Declan Rice.
The England international will be allowed to depart the Europa Conference League champions for the right price this summer before he enters the final year of his contract at the London Stadium.
Man United have long been linked with a move for Rice, only to be informed by West Ham in transfer windows gone by that the 24-year-old was not for sale under any circumstances.
However, with Rice able to leave on a free transfer in 2024 and pining for Champions League football - which Man United can offer him - the Hammers will relent if their valuation is met.
While Man United are keeping tabs on developments, their interest is yet to be formalised, and both Arsenal and Manchester City are thought to be ahead of Ten Hag's side in the race for Rice.
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Man United's transfer plans are currently clouded in uncertainty due to the club's ownership situation, as Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe battle for control of the club after the Glazers' controversial 18-year tenure.
Sheikh Jassim - who is seeking a full takeover of the club compared to Ratcliffe's majority stake - is thought to be the preferred candidate, but the Red Devils are restricted in the market while the process continues.
With Man United's rivals making headway in talks with Rice and West Ham, The Sun claims that Ten Hag is seething about the situation, having identified the Englishman as the perfect addition to his midfield.
The report adds that Ten Hag has been "desperate" for his side to make an official bid, but the Dutchman is powerless to advance Man United's interest until the takeover saga comes to a close.
Furthermore, if a bidder is finally successful, they would still need to undergo the Premier League's Owners' and Directors' Test, which would be expected to last about ten days.
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Despite Ten Hag's desire to bring Rice to Old Trafford, it has also been claimed that Red Devils chiefs are split over a possible move for the former Chelsea product following West Ham's stance in previous windows.
Rice has risen through the ranks at West Ham to make 245 senior appearances for the Hammers in all competitions, scoring 15 goals and providing 13 assists since joining from Chelsea in 2013.
The 24-year-old captained the Hammers to continental glory last season, scoring five goals and setting up four more in 50 games and playing the full 90 in their Europa Conference League final triumph over Fiorentina.
West Ham are already believed to have rejected one Arsenal bid for Rice, with the Gunners tabling an opening offer of £80m plus £10m in performance-related add-ons.
Arsenal are expected to come forward with an improved proposal for a player that West Ham apparently value at £110m, and personal terms are not expected to be a problem for the Gunners.
Ben Knapton
